Let’s bring a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen with this Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe! Imagine a warm, tender, cinnamon-swirled bread crowned with a billowy layer of sweet icing and a burst of colorful sprinkles. Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply craving something festive, this king cake brings the joy and tradition of Mardi Gras into your home in the easiest, most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Colored sprinkles (purple, green, and gold ideally, for decoration)
How to Make Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Give it about five minutes for the yeast to bloom and become frothy. This step is key to ensuring your dough rises beautifully and your king cake turns out soft and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and half the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until well combined, then gradually add the remaining flour. You’ll end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough that promises a tender cake.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about eight minutes, letting your hands work their magic until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour. The anticipation is half the fun!
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This sweet, spiced mixture will become the signature swirl inside your Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it into a generous rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle on your cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll it up tightly from the long side, sealing in all that flavor.
Step 6: Shape, Second Rise, and Bake
Carefully shape the rolled dough into an oval and place it on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25 minutes, until golden brown — your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Cool the cake slightly, then whisk powdered sugar with just enough milk or cream to make a smooth icing. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, and finish with classic Mardi Gras-colored sprinkles for that authentic, celebratory look.
How to Serve Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch is all about color and sparkle! Traditional purple, green, and gold sprinkles aren’t just beautiful — they represent justice, faith, and power. If you’re feeling extra festive, tuck a tiny plastic baby or a candied coin under the cake before serving for an authentic touch.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe pairs perfectly with a hot cup of café au lait or a chilled mimosa for brunch. For a full-on New Orleans feast, serve it alongside savory shrimp and grits or hearty jambalaya. The sweet and spicy flavors will balance out any celebration spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your king cake on a vibrant platter and scatter extra sprinkles or beads around for instant party vibes. For individual servings, slice the cake and arrange on plates with a drizzle of extra icing. Or, get playful and serve mini king cake bites to make every guest feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), simply store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake stays soft and flavorful, making it a delightful snack any time you crave a sweet treat.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze without icing and add the glaze and sprinkles after thawing.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat the whole cake in a low oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the softness and makes the flavors shine all over again.
FAQs
Can I make the Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator, and assemble and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes it even easier to serve warm for breakfast or brunch.
What do the traditional king cake colors mean?
Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. These colors are a hallmark of Mardi Gras and bring festive flair to your Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe.
Can I add a filling besides cinnamon and brown sugar?
Definitely! Try adding cream cheese, chopped pecans, or even a layer of fruit preserves for a creative twist. Just don’t overload the dough, so it still rolls and bakes evenly.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
Not at all! A sturdy spoon and your own two hands are all you need. Kneading by hand is actually quite satisfying and helps you connect with the tradition of this beloved cake.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes — substitute your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter. The Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe will still be soft, sweet, and every bit as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little Louisiana magic into your home, this Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is the perfect excuse. It’s festive, fun, and so rewarding to make — so gather your sprinkles, share a slice with friends, and let the good times roll!
Print
Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mardi Gras King Cake recipe captures the festive spirit of New Orleans with a sweet, cinnamon-filled bread topped with a classic glaze and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras at home, this cake combines soft yeast dough with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a vibrant, decorative finish. Enjoy a slice of tradition that’s both fun and delicious.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Colored sprinkles (purple, green, and gold ideally, for decoration)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough: Add melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Shape dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a lined baking sheet or floured surface.
- Add filling and roll: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Form cake: Shape the rolled dough into an oval and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the King Cake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Glaze and decorate: Let the cake cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream until smooth and drizzle over the top of the warm cake. Decorate with colorful sprinkles representing Mardi Gras colors.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- The cake is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power), so use sprinkles of these colors to stay authentic.
- You can add optional fillings such as cream cheese or fruit preserves for variation.
- This cake contains gluten and dairy, so it is not suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets without modifications.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
